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Edge is now the necessary mechanism for new network uses such as video and collaboration tools , which we are all becoming so familiar with . Online shopping and learning , streaming , IoT , 5G and remote health are other key Edge Computing drivers . Gartner predicts that 75 % of enterprise-generated data will be created and processed outside the traditional data centre or cloud by 2022 .
switches data needs to traverse . To support the level of latency required for emerging real-time IoT applications , computing resources are also being hosted closer to end-users and devices versus having data processed and stored in centralised data centres located in another city or even another country thousands of miles from its source .’
Ghassan Abdo , IDC Research Vice President , said : “ C-suite leaders across verticals are looking to Edge Computing solutions to achieve significant operational efficiencies and improved security and compliance by limiting movement of data . They also want to deliver better customer experiences . All of these priorities can be addressed through Edge Computing solutions .”
Edge data centres
Edge data centre standards are being developed by the TIA and ASHRAE ’ s TC 9.9 technical bulletin , Edge Computing : Considerations for Reliable Operation . It describes the common characteristics of Edge data centres even though form factors will differ significantly , ranging from pods to modules to shipping containers and even small brick-built enclosures .
Compared with full-sized or hyperscale data centres , which can rely on heavy , often intrusive , maintenance , travel restrictions mean an Edge data centre fleet should not require physical intervention by on-site staff to monitor the operations and functions . Edge data centres will rely on cloud-based software to facilitate remote management , triage and monitoring . This will play a crucial role in Edge developments for the rollout of emerging technology platforms , such as IoT , in mature and emerging markets .
The pandemic has meant not just more Edge data centres , but it has also accelerated the next generation of Edge data centre designs with the interest of public health and safety at the top of the agenda . It is driving the need for remote management and autonomous operation .
For one such company , Serverfarm monitors and manages a fleet of Edge data centres across the globe using InCommand , which is a combination of an agile cloud platform , human expertise , detailed policies and procedural discipline .
By implementing InCommand for this company , Serverfarm has reduced the need for onsite personnel to directly monitor its data centre infrastructure . Monitoring is now carried out remotely from an operations centre by infrastructure and IT specialists . This helps ensure staff safety for the enterprise and helps the company maintain its production facility integrity during the current pandemic .
Enterprise applications
Arun Shenoy , Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing , Serverfarm
In the enterprise space , each sector and each company will have many different Edge requirements . For example , a global car manufacturer will rely on existing Edge infrastructure dispersed across its factories , supply chain and distribution centres . It will also increasingly rely on new streetside Edge data centres as EV and autonomous vehicles become the norm .
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